“And when they were come to the place, which is called Calvary, there they crucified him,” Luke 23:33
The definition of mercy is said to be, “treating someone better than they deserve.” As the song states, mercy was great at the cross. Jesus, the perfect Son of God, died for sinful man. Not only did He die but He suffered a cruel death (crucifixion was reserved for slaves, Christians, political rivals but never Romans).
It was a very low and degrading way to die and He suffered much torture for us. This mercy and grace He showed to sinners should instill in us a deep and undying love and gratitude to Christ. “O give thanks unto the Lord; for he is good: for his mercy endureth for ever.” (Psalm 136:1) It is a wonderful thing that we can come to the cross, seek forgiveness for our sins and see our souls set at liberty to be eternally secure.
Mercy there was great, and grace was free;
Pardon there was multiplied to me;
There my burdened soul found liberty
At Calvary.
William Newell was an ordained minister who taught classes at Moody Bible Institute. He was a man who studied the Scriptures and it shows in the songs he wrote. It is said that he was known for his commentaries on Romans, Hebrews and Revelation. The book of Romans is a book filled with the plan of salvation and the hope of eternity.
A beautiful verse, Romans 5:8 perfectly explains why we can sing joyfully about our soul liberty being found at Calvary. “But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.” And as the song says, “Now I’ve given to Jesus everything,” this means our soul is liberated we will want to serve God and tell others the great salvation He has given us. I love what Psalm 96:3 says. “Declare his glory among the heathen, his wonders among all people.”
Talk to someone about the Lord today. Tell them how you were saved from your sins and how they can be, too.